Bitter Melon

One thing that took me a bit to decide to try was something called 'bitter melon.'  I read a few places it is something that is really good for your health (something that should have clued me in that I would like it... wheatgrass shot, anyone??) however I shyed away.  That is until my stomach had been hurting for days and I read that bitter melon was something that could help.  Since you can get bitter melon very inexpensive in Cambodia I figured why not give it a try.

And I love it.

I've only made one recipe however I've made it several times so I figured I would share with you!

Kristie's Stir Fried Bitter Melon Recipe
(for one person)

My recipe looks similar to this...
I grabbed this pic from the web.

1 bitter melon (Cut several in half, scrape out the seeds, slice thinly (little moon shapes)
1 tbsp oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 onion, sliced thin
1 carrot, sliced thin
1/4 cup frozen peas

1-2 tbsp soy sauce
1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 tbsp miso paste

I put the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar and miso paste in a small sealable container and shake to mix up.

In a small bowl put the bitter melon with a little bit of salt.  Let it sit for a few minutes and then add the onion and carrot and cover with cool water.  I let this sit for about 10 minutes to soften. Discard water.

In a fry pan over medium heat add the oil, bitter melon, onions, carrots and garlic.  Stir fry to soften (about 2-3 minutes).  Add the sauce.  Let cook until vegetables are soft and the sauce is well incorporated into the vegetables.  Turn off the heat.  Add the peas and let sit until no longer frozen.

Its pretty easy and  pretty delicious (with the sweet of the vinegar and the bitter of the melon I like how the flavors work out).  I have had it with many things on the side (noodles, rice, taro rice cake).  I've also added protein sources (egg or tofu).  And have liked it every way I have made it.